Portrait artist and art teacher Olympia McEwan was born in Zambia but has lived in Guernsey since she was a child.

Olympia says she cannot remember a time when she didn’t love drawing and she’s turned her talent and passion into a successful career.

A lot of her artwork has been exhibited at local venues and she is currently working on a series which celebrates some of the influential women of Guernsey called ‘Trailblazer’.

Sure asked Olympia to share her story and she told us a bit about her childhood, why she enjoys painting people and what she loves about living in Guernsey.

Describe yourself using three words.

Artist, mother, wife.

How / when did you discover your artistic talent?

I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved drawing, painting and making things.

However, I do remember my favourite teacher at St Martin’s Junior School, Mr Gaudion, singling me out in class for my artistic efforts.

Why do you particularly like drawing people?

People fascinate me more than any other subject. I think it’s because , like many portrait artists and biographers, I like to live my life vicariously through the lives of others.

I love the idea of celebrating an individual, honouring them and their story.

What is your process for putting a portrait painting together?

It varies, but usually I spend a little time with the individual, getting to know them and making a few sketches. Then I take lots of photos, which form the basis of my painting.

I mainly work in oil paints and like to draw in charcoal.

Tell us about your career as an art teacher.

I graduated from Loughborough Art College with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and then did a one year postgraduate teacher training course at Oxford University.

I’ve had teaching posts all over the island and am currently an associate lecturer at Guernsey College of Further Education.

I love working with the creative students. Their passion and enthusiasm for the subject is infectious!

You’ve also exhibited quite a lot of work – please tell us more about that.

I’ve exhibited my work in many local exhibitions including St James, Sausmarez Manor, Coach House Gallery, the Inner Market, Princess Elizabeth Hospital and the Greenhouse Gallery.

What’s been your most rewarding achievement so far?

It would have to be my 2018 project called ‘Amazing Women – Yellow Chair Portraits’.

This was a series of 15 portraits, painted over 11 months and the paintings were exhibited in the Greenhouse Gallery at Candie Museum.

My vision for the show was based on the concept of shining a light on a group of amazing women and celebrating the positive impact they make in our community and beyond. These women included Sarah Griffith, Dr Susan Wilson, Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and Dame Mary Perkins.

It was an honour and so inspirational to meet so many of these powerful and successful women.

It has fuelled my work; to keep on and to continue to create.

Which artists do you admire and why?

I admire many artists for many reasons. If I’m looking for inspiration for expressive brushwork, I might go to Howard Hodgkin.

If I’m looking for a joyous colour palette, I’d go to David Hockney. And if I want to study composition and formal elements in painting, I’d go to Euan Uglow.

There’s always something to learn and I can never tire of learning something new in painting.

What do you love about being an artist?

It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.

What are your career plans over the next 12 months?

I’m currently working on a few projects. One of which is a continuation of my Candie Museum exhibition.

The previous portraits were of head and shoulders, however, the new series is on a much bigger scale – almost full length and life size.

I’m celebrating women from our community who have excelled in their field to the highest level. These women include an internationally renowned scientist, a singer/songwriter and a member of the House of Lords.

These portraits will be on show towards the end of 2019. The exhibition will be called Trailblazer.

What advice would you give other budding artists?

Follow your heart and your dreams and don’t listen to those who tell you otherwise!

What do you love about Guernsey?

Guernsey is a special place to live especially if you have a young family. Lots of beach-time in the summer and sporting activities in the winter.

What makes Guernsey unique?

Guernsey has a very special place in the history of Britain especially it’s seafaring history.

I’m also very proud of the fact that Guernsey was an important inspiration and sanctuary for the extraordinary Victor Hugo, without Guernsey, we might not have Les Miserables.

What do you do on your days off?

I love to go to the cinema and catch up on the latest movies. I love to go out for a meal or a walk on the beach, especially Cobo. West is best!

What is your philosophy in life?

I wouldn’t say this is my philosophy in life, but this poem is a beautiful reminder of the fragility and importance of the arts in our lives:

“Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by W. B. Yeats

Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

—

You can see more of Olympia’s art work on her Facebook page.